Flexibility required – The Trek

Sometimes you have to be flexible in how you approach things. Approaching the start of my AT hike has been a great reminder of this.

My original plan would have already had me on the trail. Unfortunately, sometimes life rises. For me, it was a job around the house that needed to be completed and my wife is helping her mom with some doctor appointments.

The delay in starting has allowed me to get new glasses and additional medications from the doctor. With all that said, I will begin my hike in early April.

Getting ready for my walk

Planning and programming

As my start date approaches, I have been busy with preparations. Since I’ve been hiking in modified flip flops, starting at the Pat Jennings Visitor Center outside of Marion VA, I’ve been planning my first 3-4 weeks of hiking. Thank goodness for spreadsheets!

I know that at the beginning of my hike I will walk fewer miles than others when they get to this point. Using FarOut, I’m looking for where I can schedule replenishments. In this part of Virginia, resupply will be difficult!

As the weeks go by, I know I will slowly increase my miles and the distance between my resupply points. With that in mind, we spent this afternoon building boxes and bagging the daily food.

Equipment and equipment

My clothes have been treated with permethrin. I will finalize the kit this weekend with the installation of a tent and sleeping system. I’ll post about my rig once I’ve tested it and share the base weight.

In general

I’m excited to start, I’m also nervous to start. I’ve been charging my phone with audiobooks; I love him Dungeon Explorer Carl books. I’ve also stocked up on podcasts!

While I’m excited and nervous. I’m looking forward to this hike too!

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